The Basics For Getting The Best Shine

usually have two wheels. One on each side. Generally, the left one has a fairly stiff wheel to cut the surface of the metal using the Emory (the more coarse) compound. Tripoli is the second compound you will use, and this is when you start to really see the shine of a part. Keep in mind that you are basically “cutting” very fine scratches into the surface of

the metal. Once the Emory and Tripoli have given you a smooth surface and shiny finish, it is time to move to the looser wheel (usually mounted to the right side) for a finish shine with the white

rouge. There is no voodoo here. Just keep practicing and pay close attention to the finish, and you will develop a “feel” for what works and what doesn’t. Remember safety first, and wear gloves! The parts will get too hot to hold very fast, and you do not want damage from dropping them. Though… since they are aluminum, you can polish out the damage! Until next time, work [and ride] safe!

022, the year of getting things back to normal… whatever “normal” means to you. To me, it means getting to visit with my moto-family and friends again. Thankfully 2 motorcycle events are happening again in full force. And what better way to celebrate that than Cycle

Showcase St. Louis!

To those of us who are about all things motorcycle, the winter months mean that our bikes are parked, and there are no rallies to attend. It also means indoor bike show season, and while seeing those fresh and at times not so fresh builds is great, sometimes, believe it or not, it isn’t only about the bikes. Indoor show season is just as much about the fellowship as the outdoor rallies are.

This was very apparent at this year’s Cycle

Showcase, which was held at the City Foundry

STL.

The event’s Pre-party was at Rock Star Tacos at

Gaslight, a nice little bar that was standing room only, and that standing room was shoulder to shoulder. It was great to see everyone socializing and having a great time.

As always, curator

Randall Noldge put together a show that was off the hook and chose an absolutely perfect venue. If this was your first Cycle Showcase, or if you’ve never been, that probably doesn’t mean much to you. But to those who have been following this show from the beginning, you know that this is part of the attraction. You always have to wonder -WHERE it will be held. Every year it’s in a new location; its’ been everywhere, from a beautiful theatre to an empty warehouse, to an event space designed for such gatherings. Each year it is a true labor of love. Randall not only puts in the time inviting the builders and artists and following up with them as the show gets closer, but he also completely cleans and remodels the space to accommodate the show. Sure, some years, this is an easy task, like this year, because

the event space is designed specifically for these types of events. Some years, however, it’s not an easy task. Randall has had to build walls and clean spaces that hadn’t been occupied for extended periods. Noldge strives to have a quality show and has definitely achieved that status. Each year, it seems to get better.

The display of motorcycles was as impressive as the space they occupied. There was something for everyone from antique racers to v-twin choppers to sport bikes to performance baggers. Randall once again managed to put together an eclectic group of builders and showcased their many different talents, which showed just how diverse this industry really is. Some unveiled their bikes for the first

time, including Jeremy Valentine, who was brave enough to let Randy name the bike. This came about after some banter between the two and ended with the motorcycle being called “The Velvet Hammer,” which actually suits the bike perfectly. Watch for it in an upcoming feature. This year’s artwork was provided by one artist, the master himself, Michael Lichter. Michael’s art was a perfect fit, and he was on hand the entire weekend to speak about it. If you have never heard Michael speak, you must put it on your list of things to do. His passion for the art of the motorcycle is like none other.

Oh My Gosh... there was even a doggy kissing booth! Randall always chooses dog rescues for his charitable contributions. The Dirks Fund Rescue of Missouri joined us on Saturday and had the most adorable fluffs on

hand and they were so loving! The Dirks Fund rehomes Retrievers and Great Pyrenees. Sunday’s furbabies were from the Illinois English Bulldog Rescue and they were giving out so many kisses!